Carnival Cruise Line Launching New ‘Carnival Rewards’ Program in 2026

Carnival Cruise Line is ditching its long-running Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program in favor of something much bigger. Starting in June 2026, the cruise line will launch Carnival Rewards, a reimagined loyalty program that introduces a new name, a points-based system, and entirely new ways to earn — including through cruise fares, onboard spending, and even credit card use.

Here’s a closer look at what’s changing, how you can earn, and what happens to your current status.

What Is Carnival Rewards?

Carnival Rewards is a complete overhaul of the cruise line’s existing VIFP program. The biggest shift: Guests will no longer earn status based only on the number of nights sailed. Instead, a dual-earning system splits your activity as follows:

• Carnival Rewards points can be redeemed for Carnival purchases, such as onboard experiences, spa treatments, specialty dining, and even future cruises.
• Status Qualifying Stars determine your tier level in the program.

Carnival announced the new program on June 18, 2025. Carnival Rewards will have 4 status tiers, and they have the following earning requirements:

• Red: Earned when joining the program
• Gold: 10,000 stars
• Platinum: 50,000 stars
• Diamond: 100,000 stars

You’ll earn status based on a rolling 2-year activity period. Once earned, your status is valid for the following 2 years. Diamond members will enjoy a longer runway, with their status lasting 6 years through May 31, 2032.

How To Earn Carnival Rewards Points

In the new program, you’ll earn points on nearly all Carnival expenses, including cruise fares, onboard expenses like spa treatments and drinks, and more.

You’ll also earn by spending on the upcoming Carnival Rewards Mastercard. This change will bring an end to the current FunPoints system.

You’ll be able to redeem points in numerous ways, including for specialty dining, onboard experiences, and even future cruise credits.

How To Earn Status Qualifying Stars

Status will be tied to your spending habits going forward, which will be advantageous for some customers but may be a loss for others. Cruise nights won’t play a role.

You’ll earn as follows:

• 3 Stars per $1 spent on eligible Carnival purchases
• 1 Star per casino point, earned by playing slots, video poker, or table games
• Stars can be earned by credit spending as well (details are unknown at this point)

Over a 2-year period, you’ll need to spend roughly $3,333 to reach Gold status. However, you’ll need to spend a whopping $33,333 to hit Diamond status — unless you earn stars through credit card spending or casino play. This is no small expense.

What Happens to the VIFP Program?

Carnival is giving current VIFP members a soft landing. Status tiers will carry over into the new Carnival Rewards program and remain valid through May 31, 2028. Additionally, if you have Diamond status, you’ll keep it for 6 years, making it valid through May 31, 2032.

This transition period allows loyal guests to learn the new system’s workings while continuing to earn rewards in VIFP. Members can still progress within VIFP until it sunsets on June 1, 2026. Additionally, any FunPoints held on the current Carnival^® World Mastercard^® will convert to Carnival Rewards points when the new program launches.

Final Thoughts

The launch of Carnival Rewards marks a big shift for Carnival loyalists — one that mirrors broader trends across travel loyalty programs. Rather than simply rewarding time spent on board a ship, Carnival is now aligning status with total guest engagement and spending.

While some VIFP perks are disappearing (especially at the Platinum and Diamond tiers), the new structure may make it easier for high-spending guests — especially those using the Carnival credit card or high rollers at the casino — to climb the loyalty ladder faster.

If you’re already cruising with Carnival or thinking about starting, now’s the time to map out your path. Your VIFP progress still matters, and when Carnival Rewards goes live in 2026, your status tier at that point will define your starting point for the future.